Nails of the Day–Green Stripe Manicure

Without flash

With flash

 

For this manicure, I used China Glaze Entourage as the base (the bright green), waited for it to dry, then applied strips of regular clear tape diagonally across all my nails. On top of that, I applied a generous layer of Zoya Ivanka (the darker, sparkly green) then immediately peeled the tape off. After it had dried a little, I put on a top coat. Currently I’m trying out China Glaze Fast Forward. I like it so far, although I don’t like the smell much; it’s different from regular nail polish and Seche Vite.

This manicure was really easy and only took awhile because I let the first green dry for quite awhile before putting the tape on. I definitely recommend trying it! Regular clear tape (I have the cheapest version I could find, some generic brand from Target) worked much better than the electrical tape I tried last time I did a tape manicure since it’s easier to get it pressed flat onto the nail, resulting in less of the top color seeping through.

ELF Studio Products–Review and Swatches

Cream Eyeliner – Gunmetal

Lip Stain – Birthday Suit

Swatched on my hand

Lip stain on my lips (before I applied gloss)

 

The cream liner is very creamy and lasts well on my lids (I always set cream liner with powder; I haven’t tried it alone), however I do feel that it applies pretty sheer and takes a layer or two before it looks how I want it to. For $3, I’m not really complaining, though.

The lip stain is easy to apply, but takes a really long time to dry on the lips. Barely any gloss comes out each time I remove the wand, I need to re-dip the wand several times to get anything on my lips! As a result of too little product, I have noticed that it can sometimes pull the stain color back off with it. I’ve had much better luck when I just use the stain and then a different gloss. I definitely do not recommend using this product if you have dry lips as it can settle into flakey areas and highlight them, which no one wants! I do love the color. Pale pink is pretty much my nude, after all.

Covergirl Lipstick–Temptress Swatches

I had some Covergirl coupons and some CVS extrabucks so I picked up this lipstick today. I love pink lips and this one was in between the very pale and very bright pinks I have. Although it feels a bit drying on its own, it wears pretty well and I love the color, so overall I am not disappointed.

Milani Nail Polishes

My collection of Milani Nail Polishes! I’ve gotten all of mine from CVS. I think these are really nice polishes with great payoff. The one-coat glitters are definitely gritty and require a topcoat so it doesn’t feel like you have sandpaper nails! The holographic ones are really awesome as well. Of the three I have, I think Hi-Tech (the green one) has the best holographic effect. The nail art polish is very easy to use; I have used it to do my tips multiple times.

L-R: One Coat Glitter – Silver Dazzle, Ruby Jewels, Neon – Fresh Teal

3D Holographic Polishes: L-R: Hi-tech, HD, Digital

Nail Art – Draw in Pink